May 2015
Jersey Shore Just Got Better...
May 20, 2015
Memorial Day Savings!
Model CLOSE OUT!
$529,000. $499,000
595 Patten Ave Long Branch
Waterfront Unit
$569,000 $559,000 until May 30th
605 Patten Ave Long Branch
(Mini Motivation) Makeover Your Utensil Drawer from Jamie Novak 5-18-15
May 19, 2015
The Best Tip to Makeover Your Utensil Drawer
When it got to the point I couldn't open my utensil drawer without
slipping my hand in to push stuff down I knew I had a
problem.
But when I look at all those items inside the drawer I just can't decide
what I need to keep and what I can toss.
I bake a lot so yes I do use multiple sets of measuring cups and spoons
at the same time.
And I always think I'll zest citrus, but I'm not sure I actually
do.
My
indecision is why my utensil drawer looks like this!
However there is one trick that finally helped
me decide what to keep and what to toss...ready?
I pulled everything out of the drawer and stuck it in a baking dish on
the kitchen counter.
I could have used a box lid or extra large food storage container.
Anything that gets the items out of the drawer.
Once
the utensils were out of the drawer it was MUCH easier to
see what I have. All the duplicates. All the triplicates. And all the
tosses I should have made long ago like the measuring spoons that are
flaking paint chips.
Paint chips in my batter is never a good thing!
Automatic tosses for me are items that are:
flaking
chipped
broken
melted
bent
flimsy
difficult to use
missing pieces
a pain to clean
not useful to me
And the citrus zester- I have another tool
that has a zester included so I don't need a single use tool. Especially
because I don't zest all that much citrus.
But I do press a lot of garlic. So the simple to use and easy to clean
garlic press is a keep.
So with all the utensils out of the drawer it is much easier to decide
what to keep and what to toss.
Over the next week or so as I reach for a items I'll use them, wash them
and put them away in the drawer. At the end of the week I'll have a clear
idea of what I reach for and what I use less often - if at all.
From the items left in the baking pan I can
either:
A. Choose to keep them- but maybe store them outside the
everyday drawer so I can find the stuff I actually use all the time
B. Let them go to someone who will use and appreciate
them
Another
keep? A fork from the set of silverware I grew up using. This fork
came from my mother's house and even though I don't use it to eat with it
just makes me happy to see it in the drawer. So it is a keeper!
How about you? Do you have some definite keepers? And maybe a few
tosses?
NOTE: This project took me less that 5 minutes. Well
worth every second to get my utensil drawer back!
Wishing you a clutter-free
week,
Jamie
PS Good news! New events have just been added to the spring calendar.
Take a look in the right hand column or check out the events
page. I hope to see you soon!
2015 Events
All events are free and open to the public.
Keep This Toss That
Tuesday, May 19th 6:30pm
Sayreville Public Library
1050 Washington Rd.,
Parlin, NJ 08859
(732) 727-0212
directions to the library
Keep This Toss That
Monday June 22nd 7pm
South River Public Library
55 Appleby Ave.
South River, NJ 08882
(732) 254-2488
Directions to South River Library
Quick Links:
Interest Rate Charts From Joseph Scorese
May 19, 2015
REAL ESTATE BLOSSOMS
May 18, 2015
May 2015
REAL ESTATE BLOSSOMS
The housing market is well into what is typically considered the peak spring selling season. While more home sellers are deciding to put their homes on the market now that flowers and trees are blooming and lawns are greener, in many parts of the country, real estate professionals are reporting that there is a shortage of listing inventory.
The low inventory levels are helping to push up home selling prices and leading to multiple offer situations in some areas, particularly if a property is in move-in ready condition. If you have been weighing whether to sell your home, this could be the prime time to speak to a real estate agent about putting your home on the market. With fewer homes on the market, your property will have a much greater opportunity to draw attention from the home-buying pool.
In fact, buyer demand appears to be stronger in many parts of the country, particularly in metropolitan areas that have experienced strong job gains and economic growth, according to the National Association of Realtors’ chief economist. Demand in many markets is far exceeding supply, which is putting upward pressure on home prices, according to NAR.
Nationwide, existing-home sales increased in March to their highest annual rate in 18 months and the supply of homes for sale climbed 5.3 percent from the previous month and was 2 percent higher than a year earlier, NAR reported. Still, the unsold inventory was at a 4.6-month supply, which indicates that inventory is tight and conditions were more favorable for sellers. A 6-month supply of available homes is considered more balanced between sellers and home buyers.
Of course, housing conditions vary from market to market, so to get an accurate picture of what’s happening locally, it is prudent to consult with a real estate agent, like myself, who knows the inventory and prices in your area.
If you are a buyer, now more than ever, it is crucial to work with a professional like me who can provide insight into what properties are available for sale and help you negotiate, particularly in markets where there is stiff competition for the homes that are available for sale. I can also help you identify communities that may have properties in your price range that you may not have considered before.
I can also properly position you to successfully sell your home and purchase another property. Contact me today, as I understand the local market and the best first steps you need to take to make sure your real estate goals blossom this spring
Across the Board in Monmouth County Real Estate is very active
May 18, 2015
When you take Monmouth County as a whole, real estate is very active and the inventory is low at 5.2 months. However one must take everything into account especially the towns you are interested may have a different story to tell.
Shrewsbuyr Market Picking Up
May 18, 2015
Now here is a town where inventory is scarce. There are only 4 months of inventory avaialbe.
However Sales are slower that last year.
Waterfront Market in Monmouth County
May 18, 2015
Compared to last year the inventory level is lower which makes it better for sellers. Contract sales are up versus last year. We still have 9 months worth of inventory which still keeps it a buyer's makret.
5 Bike Friendly Towns
May 18, 2015
| Bike-Friendly Cities |
| It's National Bike Month! Grab your gear and hit the bike lanes this May. Here are five of America's best bike cities, according to Bicycling.com. |
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